...really simple but helpfull techs. if you've ever tryed to explain to the zit faced kid behind the parts counter that you need a radiator hose with (x bend = y bend), and you even give him a hose and explain that its gotta be a little longer here, and at a right angle there, and he stands there scratching his *** just not gettin it, this will help. Purchase a piece of aluminum flexable heater ducting tube bend it to your desired position and take it on in for him to match up. This has worked for me everytime. Next, a vary simple trick my dad taught me but if youve ever been in the situation where you needed a that little extra torque, but didnt have a long enough wrench you'll know what i mean. Simply grab another wrench and inter-lock the openend with the box end and you have that extra torque! Note... (only works if your using the boxend on the nut or bolt). I hope my illustration comes up otherwise you'll just have to try it without.
Just don't show that trick to the guy at Sears when you take that broken/stripped 1 1/4 inch wrench back for replacement. When he asks how you broke it, just say something like "I just got pissed and yanked it!" He'll get you another one with no more questions asked.
A similar extra torque method my Grandfather taught me....keep a few steel pipe lengths around...slip one over your ratchet.....curse the nut/bolt....no slippage! I enjoy that one a little more than the box/open end "knucklebuster"....which I am way too familiar with..
The Jalopy Journal
